Author Topic: I'm at a loss . . (Read 3895 times)

HamPster · « **on:** December 02, 2008, 01:14:59 PM »

In one of my leagues, I'm completely bewildered. I come out of the gates with a monster game every week, then shoot 200 or 190, then last game is upper 200, 210. Every week the last four weeks, like clockwork, and I don't get it, I can't figure out what's different. I've had my fair share of scores, so I don't really get to thinking 800 after one game, and I've only had one shot at 300 the first game (usually I double or triple, spare, and run the sheet). My first games the last four weeks have been 239, 267, 289, 279. My second games add up to just a tad over 800, and my third games add up to about 830 or 840. Little carry and a bad shot in the second game (usually a few tens, an 8 or a 9, and one open somewhere), and the last game is always clean with one double or a triple. Have either one 8 count or none, my first ball average is always in the range of 9.5. The lane conditions don't change super fast, I don't think I'm throwing it any differently, alcohol isn't a factor, I either have two or none, and I rarely change balls mid-set. With the exception of the first two weeks, I've used a different ball every week. Blast Zone first two weeks, Fury last week, X-Factor tonight. I'm usually the type to shoot consistent games too. If I shoot in the neighborhood of 700, it's 235 235 235. I have 5 800s, and only one of them had a 300 in it. And whats more, traditionally my big scores come in the second or third games. Lol I'd say I was doing the FIGJAM thing, but having a first game average of 268 and a second game average of 200 and a third of 208 doesn't exactly scream good . . it screams lucky followed by what the hell . . Anybody have any ideas or has had this happen before?
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This is Fluffy. He is the Destroyer of Worlds.

No Open Tenths · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2008, 09:28:05 PM »

The first thing that comes to mind for me is does your ball fit feel different later in the set? I know that during the winter for the first game or so my fingers don't quite feel tight, and as I bowl and my hands warmup/swell the fit gets better, usually about the start of the second game. This usually mean I start to throw the ball better and may need to make a slight adjustment from where I was in the first game, even if the lane has not transitioned.
Just a thought.
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Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't... you're probably right. -- Henry Ford
www.ronpaul2008.com -- Join the Revolution

Xcessive_Evil · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2008, 09:34:16 PM »

Hell, at least you start off good. My first game is usually a meltdown of some form.
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Does it really matter?

JohnP · « **Reply #3 on:** December 03, 2008, 09:17:04 AM »

Even though you say the lanes don't change it sounds to me like the back ends are drying out enough that the ball is rolling out as it hits the pins. You might try a ball with a weaker surface, either sanded to a higher grit or polished more, in the second and third games. -- JohnP

1MechEng · « **Reply #4 on:** December 03, 2008, 11:56:31 AM »

How is your speed for the 3 games? Are you perhaps getting loose, or slightly tired after the first game?

I know that during my first game, I'm tight and fast. My revs are up, and the speed is up too. I get better entry angle because of it. I can hold line in the second game, but the speed comes down about 1/4 - 1/2 mph,and my entry angle flattens out, leaving more 10's. I can usually tell by looking at exactly where the breakpoint is downlane (distance-wise). My line doesn't really change, but the overall revs/speed do and I can see the result.

Just my $0.02.

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Dan
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Engineering * Bowling = a fun and practical application of rotational kinematics.

Bowling Nerd Herd (TM) Member

HamPster · « **Reply #5 on:** December 04, 2008, 06:47:30 AM »

That sounds closest now that I think about it. I dislocated my shoulder a few years ago, and my whole arm is about 90% of what it used to be, and my fingers just don't have the strength they used to. I did slow down . . it's prolly something I can only fix with my feet, cause I shorten my swing when I stop catching it at the bottom because I'll lose it even worse if I keep it where it is, and that messes my timing up, so I start grabbing it. I had a couple beers, and by the third game I was ripping on the thing. My Blast Zone is at about 1500, my Fury is at 2000 polish, and my X-Factor is at about 2000 polish too. This particular house doesn't let me get away with being slow cause it's a short pattern to begin with . . where the other house does, it's 42 ft as compared to this house being 36. You've all had a point so far though, when I get slow, the ball burns up, and yes, I have terrible fit problems, I go through tape like no other. I'll add 5 pieces of tape at the beginning just to take it all out 4 frames later, then put it all back in next game. Thanks for the suggestions. It's really odd cause I averaged 235 at that house last year, and this year I'm just hanging around 222. Thanks guys, hopefully I can get this figured out, it's getting a tad frustrating.

quote:
How is your speed for the 3 games? Are you perhaps getting loose, or slightly tired after the first game?

I know that during my first game, I'm tight and fast. My revs are up, and the speed is up too. I get better entry angle because of it. I can hold line in the second game, but the speed comes down about 1/4 - 1/2 mph,and my entry angle flattens out, leaving more 10's. I can usually tell by looking at exactly where the breakpoint is downlane (distance-wise). My line doesn't really change, but the overall revs/speed do and I can see the result.

Just my $0.02.

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Dan
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Engineering * Bowling = a fun and practical application of rotational kinematics.

Bowling Nerd Herd (TM) Member

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This is Fluffy. He is the Destroyer of Worlds.

« **Reply #6 on:** December 04, 2008, 07:44:05 AM »

I think we all can get better at ANTICIPATING the transition of the lanes. Most people absolutely refuse to make a move until they run one through the nose, not once but twice, then gradually move inside.

In my opinion it's better to make a SMALL move BEFORE you think it's necessary, than to keep pounding the pocket but lose your pin carry. Also, if you're experiencing gradual fatigue (physical or mental) over the course of three games, by making small moves inward to find optimal "skid" will compensate for some loss of ball speed from fatigue. This will also help keep your mind "fresh" because you're concentrating on your new line.

How big is a small move? It depends on oil conditions, lane surface, ball used, ball speed, rev rate, etc., so you'll need to experiment a little. The more often you adjust though, the smaller the adjustment will need to be. The point is to try to move before it's too late.

It's hard to determine why the shot didn't carry when it looked like you buried it in the pocket, but today's balls respond to friction very well, so to maximize hitting power there needs to be adequate "skid" before you get to the "hook" and "roll" stages of ball reaction. This is very difficult for the eye to see, until it's too late.

That's a good reason why you should also pay attention to what equipment is being used by others, and on what part of the lane it's being used. A ball with lots of surface being thrown close to your line will soak up the oil much faster than a less aggressive cover ball thrown with a lower rev rate, for example. Too many of us just focus on their OWN ball reaction and pin carry, and play cards until their next frame, when they might learn a thing or two by watching the others' ball reaction.

It's all about reading transition and maintaining, as much as possible, your best chances to strike. Good luck.

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Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Amateur Staff
www.brunswickbowling.com

JohnP · « **Reply #7 on:** December 04, 2008, 10:03:04 AM »

At our house my first indication is when I leave a 4 pin. I'd better change something or the next ball will be through the nose. -- JohnP

backswing_aplenty · « **Reply #8 on:** December 04, 2008, 02:20:19 PM »

The real trick is adjusting before you leave the 4 pin. Watch HOW the pins fall not just IF they fall. A slow 4 or trip 9 pin usually means 4 pin on the next shot or worse, big 4, greek church. Same with 10 pins. If you can get a house dialed with the adjustments you need to make figuring out when is the next challenge.

The keys are to watch the 6's travel around the 10, and the 4 into the 7. Keep an eye on those next time you practice and see what yhou can see.

*backswing
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*...Got the 5 out clean!

To prove I'm real

270-2931 http://members.bowl.com/FindAMember/memberView.aspx?mp=270&ms=2931&s=2005-2006

janderson · « **Reply #9 on:** December 05, 2008, 12:19:06 PM »

notclay - I'm impressed. You state some of the points I would have made, but probably in better fasion.

Also, keep an eye on your mental focus and intensity. "When the lights come on" many bowlers are "game on", but after success in game 1, some get mentally lazy. When we're "doing it right" it usually feels easy and can lead to some complacency focusing for the next shots.
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J.J. "Waterola Kid" Anderson - "Better than Jello" - Kill the back row

« **Reply #10 on:** December 05, 2008, 01:45:11 PM »

janderson,

Thanks for the compliment.

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Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Amateur Staff
www.brunswickbowling.com

HamPster · « **Reply #11 on:** December 05, 2008, 08:55:59 PM »

Your points are all very good ones, notclay. There's one house I actually have to do that in, and I may have to start doing it in this one too cause it's showing some of the characteristics of the other one. This other house in question has laneshield on it, and the lanes burn up extremely quickly, so it's important that I plan for the whole night instead of scoring at the moment. It gets irritating to do that just to score in a league, but it's good practice at least. I rarely get comfortable after a big game, I'm kind of perfectionistic, so instead of being happy with a big set, I pick it apart to see what I could have done better. And you're right, there are a ton of things to take into consideration . . it's obvious you understand the game quite well. I still don't know what's up after bowling last night. I thought I threw it great and shot 560. Can't tell you what happened, only had two opens. Fingers worked just fine until I tried to get inside . . My mental game is there half the time. If I'm confident in my line, I enjoy the pressure, I rarely fail to "win the game" if I need to make a couple shots, but if I have to make a shot if I'm not sure it will carry, forget it. I've got some kind of subconcious control that I can't turn off. My mind knows what's out there and what my limits are, and when I know I need to do something outside my limits, it doesn't even let me close. I bowl much better drunk, cause it takes my mind out of it, but the wife doesn't like it when I drink . . Anybody got any mental tips or suggestions? I wish I could just let go and throw the damn thing . .
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This is Fluffy. He is the Destroyer of Worlds.

Edited on 12/5/2008 9:58 PM

« **Reply #12 on:** December 06, 2008, 09:14:55 AM »

HamPster,

Do you subscribe to BTM, or have you read "Focused For Bowling" by Dr. Dean Hinitz?

His articles should be required reading for anyone wanting to get that extra edge mentally. We need to understand how the mind works, and how our body reacts to "stress" on the lanes. Then we can take the necessary steps to combat the natural responses to being "unsure about that move we just made", etc.

My preferred style of bowling is as relaxed as I can be playing straighter lines to the pocket with much less force applied to the ball. One thing that I have to do myself as I move inward on the lane, is to change my hand position and increase my rev rate, so as the ball swings out it can return to the pocket with enough on it to still carry the corner pins. I would be very surprised if I'm the only one who needs that type of adjustment.

That's a physical adjustment, but I also need to convince my mind that it's the right move, too, so I can execute the shot like I mean it. There cannot be any doubt in my mind as I attempt those crucial shots. You've probably heard it said to "never move off a bad shot" and this goes along those lines. You'll find out much faster whether that move you made on the lanes was correct if you commit to the shot and release the ball as if you KNOW you made the right move. I hope these ideas are helpful. Good luck.

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Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Amateur Staff
www.brunswickbowling.com

HamPster · « **Reply #13 on:** December 06, 2008, 12:03:29 PM »

Yeah, I get what you're saying. I'll have to see if I can find some of that stuff. Laneplay is a strength of mine, however, I find myself less and less able to do what I need to do. I can increase speed if I'm playing straighter, but if I have to add a lot of revs, my speed suffers. I'm guessing I'm in the 250 rpm range, I still get a decent amount on it, and I used to play more of a swing shot from around 3rd arrow. I just don't have the strength for it anymore, I start grabbing and when that happens, my control goes on autopilot, everything tightens up, and I need to learn how to still be relaxed even though I think my carry percentage is gonna go down . . cause clean shots can still create a lot of pin action even if everything isn't perfectly matched up.

quote:
HamPster,

Do you subscribe to BTM, or have you read "Focused For Bowling" by Dr. Dean Hinitz?

His articles should be required reading for anyone wanting to get that extra edge mentally. We need to understand how the mind works, and how our body reacts to "stress" on the lanes. Then we can take the necessary steps to combat the natural responses to being "unsure about that move we just made", etc.

My preferred style of bowling is as relaxed as I can be playing straighter lines to the pocket with much less force applied to the ball. One thing that I have to do myself as I move inward on the lane, is to change my hand position and increase my rev rate, so as the ball swings out it can return to the pocket with enough on it to still carry the corner pins. I would be very surprised if I'm the only one who needs that type of adjustment.

That's a physical adjustment, but I also need to convince my mind that it's the right move, too, so I can execute the shot like I mean it. There cannot be any doubt in my mind as I attempt those crucial shots. You've probably heard it said to "never move off a bad shot" and this goes along those lines. You'll find out much faster whether that move you made on the lanes was correct if you commit to the shot and release the ball as if you KNOW you made the right move. I hope these ideas are helpful. Good luck.

--------------------
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Amateur Staff
www.brunswickbowling.com

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This is Fluffy. He is the Destroyer of Worlds.

Author Topic: I'm at a loss . . (Read 3895 times)

HamPster

I'm at a loss . .

No Open Tenths

Re: I'm at a loss . .

Xcessive_Evil

Re: I'm at a loss . .

JohnP

Re: I'm at a loss . .

1MechEng

Re: I'm at a loss . .

HamPster

Re: I'm at a loss . .

Re: I'm at a loss . .

JohnP

Re: I'm at a loss . .

backswing_aplenty

Re: I'm at a loss . .

janderson

Re: I'm at a loss . .

Re: I'm at a loss . .

HamPster

Re: I'm at a loss . .

Re: I'm at a loss . .

HamPster

Re: I'm at a loss . .